How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples,What this handout is about
WebA good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes: take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree deal with a subject that can be WebDeveloping A Thesis First, analyze your primary sources.. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the Once you have a working WebA thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader WebTips for Writing Your Thesis Statement. 1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing: An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, WebFeb 4, · A good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation. The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your ... read more
The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information. A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment.
Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts such as surprising contrasts or similarities , and think about the significance of these relationships. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way. Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :.
You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis. After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:. Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters. This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.
Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:. In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore. This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation. We consulted these works while writing this handout. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using.
For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:. This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague. Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers. Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion.
If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements:. This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family. This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point. Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point.
If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example:. Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write:. Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support. This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related.
Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however. A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you're writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say:. This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this:. Hunger persists in Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.
This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger. Home Writing Guides How to Write a Thesis Statement. How to Write a Thesis Statement. How to Write a Thesis Statement What is a Thesis Statement? Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement? How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement? How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. You start out with a thesis statement like this: Sugar consumption.
You change your thesis to look like this: Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children. You revise your thesis statement to look like this: More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children. You decide to explain what you mean about food and beverage choices , so you write: Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar. You finally revise your thesis statement one more time to look like this: Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.
Published on February 4, by Shona McCombes. Revised on September 14, A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay. It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect. This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille. The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation.
The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact. The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.
The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about. Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation. Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:. The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay.
In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument. This is the most important part of your introduction. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say. You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.
This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for. The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.
This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic the invention of the printing press and states the main point the essay will explain the effect of this invention on European society. In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:. The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay. To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay. Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:. Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say. The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas. The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.
McCombes, S. Have a language expert improve your writing. Proofreading Services. Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes. Plagiarism Checker. Generate accurate citations for free. Citation Generator. Give background on your topic. Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay. Essay introduction example The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check. Try for free. My first sentence is engaging and relevant. I have introduced the topic with necessary background information. I have defined any important terms. My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument. Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay. Well done! Learn more about writing essay paragraphs.
Argumentative Expository Literary analysis This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for. Argumentative essay introduction The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. Expository essay introduction In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. What goes in an essay introduction? Relevant background information that the reader needs to know. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument. What is a hook? What is a thesis statement? Why do I need a thesis statement?
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons: It gives your writing direction and focus. It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point. What is the structure of an essay? Is this article helpful? Shona McCombes Shona has a bachelor's and two master's degrees, so she's an expert at writing a great thesis. She has also worked as an editor and teacher, working with students at all different levels to improve their academic writing. Other students also liked. It usually comes at the end of the introduction. Follow these 6 steps for a strong paragraph structure. How to conclude an essay Interactive example A strong conclusion ties together your main points, shows why your argument matters, and opens broader questions.
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How to Write a Thesis Statement,Quick Links
WebDeveloping A Thesis First, analyze your primary sources.. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the Once you have a working WebA thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader WebWriting an academic essay means fashioning a coherent set of ideas into an argument. Because essays are essentially linear—they offer one idea at a time—they must present WebFeb 4, · A good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation. The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your WebA good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes: take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree deal with a subject that can be WebTips for Writing Your Thesis Statement. 1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing: An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, ... read more
What is a hook? If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. Harvard College Writing Program HARVARD.
It usually comes near the end of your introduction. Welcome to the Purdue OWL This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes. Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction, thesis for essay. Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information. It allows thesis for essay readers to understand your essay within a larger context.
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